Yen Press announced today the on-sale date for the digital version of the upcoming New Japan Academy manga! It will be available to purchase on November 10!
New Japan Academy is an alternate universe centered around the hottest stars of Japanese pro-wrestling (puroresu) and the New Japan Pro Wrestling promotion. New Japan Pro Wrestling supervised the creation of the manga which features artwork by HIROKU.
One of New Japan Pro Wrestling’s top stars, Tetsuya Naito, penned a special message for the manga’s release:
“Hey, you! That’s right—I mean you, the one who’s reading New Japan Academy right now! Not only did you pick up New Japan Academy, you read it too. And I get the feeling…
…that it was all Destino.
This series was put together based on comments I’ve made and interviews I’ve given in the past, which makes for a lot of moments that take even me back.
I especially like the part where I injure my right knee, get surgery, and start rehabbing it. There’s also all the ways I felt about Tanahashi and Okada… I look back on my emotions from that period fondly, but I can also remember just how difficult those days were for me.
That said, I’m not turning my back on my past. I’m where I am today because of all the pain and suffering in those days. I wouldn’t be who I am today if not for what happened during those times. It’s this past that made the present me, and that’s what I want people to learn from New Japan Academy. Once they do, I want them to look at who Tetsuya Naito is right now.
I know all of this isn’t easy to convey to those who speak a different language…but with this edition’s release, I’m sure English speakers will be able to understand. And now that you’ve read this volume, I bet it’s even more exciting to watch me, and to watch Los Ingobernables de Japon wrestle, no?
What’s that?
You can’t wait to read what’s next?
You’re not getting all worked up, are you?
It’s times like this when you need to remember those words.
Yeah, that’s right…
Tranquilo. Assen na yo.
Adios.”
Tetsuya Naito is currently the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion and the IWGP Intercontinental Champion. He entered the Wrestle Kingdom event back in Japan as the Intercontinental Champion and defeated Kazuchika Okada to win the world title. He later lost both belts to EVIL but regained them since then. Now, Kota Ibushi, the winner of this year’s G1 Climax, will face Naito at the next Wrestle Kingdom event in January 2021 for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. Tetsuya Naito is also the leader of a faction in New Japan Pro Wrestling known as Los Ingobernobles de Japon.
